United’s plan to strike shrewd deal for French sensation in ruins as Euro giants table lucrative offer – report

Manchester United are in real danger of missing out on Khephren Thuram this summer. The Red Devils are preparing for a vital summer transfer window as they look to sustain the team’s recent improvement under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. The Englishman took temporary charge of the first-team squad in January following the abrupt departure of former head coach Ruben Amorim. Carrick has inspired a significant improvement in performances, picking up six wins and a draw in his eight games in charge, which has helped United move up to third in the league table. While the Red Devils are yet to make a decision on their next permanent manager, they are laying down plans to upgrade their midfield at the end of this season. Thuram is reportedly among the candidates under consideration as the Premier League giants prepare for life after Casemiro. The importance of replacing Casemiro The Brazilian midfielder has been indispensable for United this season and has rolled back the years under Carrick. However, his contract expires in less than four months and the Red Devils have already announced that he will leave. The Premier League giants have transformed into an entirely different outfit of late with Casemiro running the show in midfield, where his resilience, experience and eye for a pass have hugely benefited the team. United have looked vulnerable every time the 34 year old has left the pitch, so it is imperative that INEOS replace him this summer. The English giants signed Manuel Ugarte in the summer of 2024 with a view to eventually easing Casemiro out of action. However, the Uruguayan has been a disappointment so far, and it appears likely that his time at the Theatre of Dreams will come to an end this summer. While the Red Devils remain linked to Premier League-proven candidates such as Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton to replace Casemiro, Thuram is also on their radar. The French midfielder has turned heads at several clubs across the continent following some superb performances for Juventus. This season, Thuram has registered three goals and four assists in 36 games in all competitions for the Bianconeri, 31 of which have been starts. Khephren Thuram Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Serie A262322–1,929′ UEFA Champions League97121-593′ Italy Cup11—-90′ Total3631341-2,612′ Source: Transfermarkt. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Liverpool are also eyeing the 24 year old with interest. It has also been reported that the Bianconeri are working to tie Thuram down to a new deal, and an update on the matter has now emerged. Juventus initiate Thuram talks According to Tuttosport, Juventus have already held preliminary talks with Thuram’s entourage regarding a possible renewal. The Serie A giants consider the Frenchman an integral part of their plans and are eager to end any speculation regarding his future. Thuram is under contract until 2029, but the report states that Juventus are planning to hand him a new deal until 2030. They will also hike his wages from €2.4 million net to around €3.8-€4 million. Previous reports suggested that the Italian giants could let their prized asset leave for €65-75 million. However, it now appears that taking Thuram to Old Trafford this year could prove to be a challenge for United. Final Thoughts Thuram’s profile and abilities make him a fine replacement for Casemiro, but with Juventus in no mood to consider his exit, perhaps it would be wise for United to look elsewhere. INEOS should stick to their Premier League-centric transfer policy, which has yielded great success of late, in their search for the veteran midfielder’s replacement. Feature image Alessandro Sabattini via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.